Short-Term Conversion of Farmland to Conservation Plots

The USDA has announced that its program, “State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement,” will fund the conversion of nearly 10,000 acres of Indiana farmland into habitat more suitable for endangered bats and birds such as the bobwhite quail and American woodcock. Farmers are paid annually for 10-15 years to not farm the land, and receive money for maintenance such as erosion control. The program has already funded nearly 14,000 acres since 2008.